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Roughneck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a ...

Job Summary The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a ...

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the safe and efficient operation of a rig site under the direct supervision of the Driller. Job Duties ...

As a Roughneck you are responsible for performing various manual labor tasks associated with the safe and efficient operation of a rig site under the direct supervision of the Driller. Job Duties ...

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

... the Roughneck drives truck to transport materials and well service equipment. 10. Supervises the drill team members on the oil rig and also looks after the drilling activities and equipment. 11.

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Laborer position, water well driller apprentice/roughneck/water well drilling hand, will be required to back up trailers Qualifications * Valid Driver License * Moderate lifting minimum of 50lbs * 1+ ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Demonstrate knowledge (basic to advanced) in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC - WTX

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Demonstrate knowledge (basic to advanced) in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, Mud Pump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD ...

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe * Assist in rig moves: help with rig-up / rig-down, nipple up and down blowout preventers, assist ...

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Roughneck information

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$5

$23

$33

How much do roughneck jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for roughneck in the United States is $23.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a roughneck?

A Roughneck is a laborer who works on an oil or gas drilling rig, handling physically demanding tasks to support drilling operations. Their duties include assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, maintaining machinery, and ensuring the rig operates efficiently. The job requires strength, endurance, and the ability to work in extreme weather conditions. Roughnecks often work long shifts, typically on a rotating schedule, and have opportunities for career advancement within the oil and gas industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a roughneck?

To thrive as a Roughneck, you need strong physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of oil rig operations, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rigs, hand tools, safety protocols, and certifications such as H2S awareness or first aid are frequently required. Dependability, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills. These abilities are essential to maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in challenging and hazardous oilfield environments.

What is a typical work schedule like for a roughneck on an oil rig?

Roughnecks often work long shifts that can range from 12 hours per day for several consecutive days, followed by similar periods of time off, commonly referred to as a rotating schedule (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off). The job is physically demanding, requiring you to perform various tasks outdoors and in all weather conditions alongside a close-knit crew. Due to the nature of shift work and the remote locations of many rigs, workers usually live on-site during their rotation. This schedule allows for extended periods of rest between assignments and promotes a team-oriented environment where everyone relies on each other for safety and efficiency.

Is it hard to become a roughneck?

Becoming a roughneck typically requires physical strength, technical skills, and safety training, such as OSHA certifications. Entry often involves on-the-job training and experience working in demanding environments, making it a challenging but attainable career for those prepared for physically demanding work. Prior knowledge of drilling equipment and safety procedures can improve job prospects.

What do I need to become a roughneck?

To become a roughneck, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical strength, and the ability to work in demanding environments. On-the-job training is common, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are often required before starting work on an oil rig or drilling site.
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Cities with the most Roughneck job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Roughneck jobs?

The most popular types of Roughneck jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Roughneck jobs?

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What states have the most Roughneck jobs?

States with the most job openings for Roughneck jobs include:

Infographic showing various Roughneck job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,499 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expands performance among our E&P competitors.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Job Summary

The Roughneck is primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling machinery and equipment. They will perform maintenance to the equipment and minor repairs in a safe and efficient manner under the direct supervision of the Driller. The Roughneck assists the Floorman with their duties on the rig floor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs rig up and rig down activities as assigned.
  • Performs "nippling up" or "nippling-down" of the blowout preventer stack.
  • Performs general repairs and maintenance on major and minor rig components.
  • Assists the Assistant Driller (Derrickman) with mud-mixing duties.
  • Performs emergency procedures.
  • Ensures that work carried out is in compliance with company policies and procedures and according to safety regulations.
Job Specific Skills
  • Ability to assist with tools and parts
  • Ability to maintain a safe work environment
  • Knowledge of heavy equipment
  • Knowledge of chemical and fractionator systems
Education & Experience

Minimum: High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is required

Minimum: 0 - 6+ years related experience

Minimum training requirements: Health, Safety and Environment Orientation and Rig Specific Start Up Training

Additional Qualifications

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.